Methods

Participants were assigned to either a no exercise + no diet control (CON), a no diet
+ exercise group (ND), or one of four diet + exercise groups (presented as kcals;
% carbohydrate: protein: fat): 1) a high energy, high carbohydrate, low protein diet
(HED) [2,600; 55:15:30%], 2) a very low carbohydrate, high protein diet (VLCHP) [1,200
kcals; 63:7:30%], 3) a low carbohydrate, moderate protein diet (LCMP) [1,200 kcals;
50:20:30%] and 4) a high carbohydrate, low protein diet (HCLP) [1,200 kcals; 55:15:30%].
Participants in exercise groups (all but CON) performed a pneumatic resistance-based,
circuit training program under supervision three times per week.

Conclusion

Exercise alone (ND) appears to have minimal impact on measured outcomes with positive
outcomes apparent when exercise is combined with a hypoenergetic diet. Greater improvements
in waist circumference and body composition occurred when carbohydrate is replaced
in the diet with protein. Weight loss in all diet groups (VLCHP, LCMP and HCLP) was
primarily fat and stimulated improvements in markers of cardiovascular disease risk,
body composition, energy expenditure and psychosocial parameters.